The Magnetism of the Cross
Jesus said that if He was lifted up from the earth on a cross, He would “draw all men unto Himself.” There is a magnetism to the cross of Jesus Christ. The cross has a drawing power . . . it draws all men to Christ? What is it that gives the cross such appeal?
I. The Cross Has the Magnetism of Love . . .
“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (perfect sacrifice) for our sins”–I John 4:10.
The surest and purest place where the Love of God can be seen in all its dimensions is the cross of Calvary. That’s why folks regardless of ethnicity, social stratus, economic standing, and cultural environment are drawn to it. We are drawn to the cross by the drawing power of God’s Love–See John 3:16.
II. The Cross Has the Magnetism of Forgiveness . . .
The greatest need we have is the need for forgiveness. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”–Romans 3:23. Jesus’ death on the cross is God’s answer to man’s sin. In and through His death God offers us forgiveness and cleansing–See Romans 5:8.
III. The Cross Has the Magnetism of Victory . . .
The cross of Calvary was a struggle between God and Satan, between light and darkness, between good and evil, between two rulers contending for world supremacy. Jesus emerged the victor. We too seek victory over sin and death, so we also are drawn to the cross of Christ. In it we discover ultimate victory.
The geographical heart of 19th century London was Charing Cross. Locals referred to it simply as “the cross.” A story circulated at that time among evangelical preachers about “the cross.” It seems a London police officer found a sobbing little boy who was lost and unable to tell the officer where he lived. Finally amid the tears he said, “If you will take me to the Cross, I can find my way home.”
It is believed that Jessie Pounds, an Ohio woman, who wrote over 400 hymns, heard that story and penned the classic, “The Way of the Cross Leads Home.”
I must needs go home by the way of the cross,
There’s no other way but this;
I shall ne’er get sight of the Gates of Light,
If the way of the cross I miss.
